Which Boat?

[waterlogged]

I'm looking to purchase a Correct Craft ski boat this winter. It will be used for slalom skiing and wake boarding. My kids and I also want to learn to barefoot next year. I'm looking to spend $20-25k. I've decided on Correct Craft after researching all the ski boats I could find. Also, I notice that some CC boats have TSC 1997 and newer. Is this important. I'm looking for a bow rider for family outings. What do you recommend?
Thanks

[bkhallpass]

The TSC or Total Surface control Hull was a substantial improvement
in the waterski wake. The wake is smaller, softer, and has less short line spray than previous models. Ir you want to waterski, want an open bow,
and in you price range, your really only have two choices in my my mind.

1) A ski nautique open bow. Same hull as Ski Nautique. 19'6" long.
World class ski wake. The 92-96 versions will have a great Waterski wake
and can be weighted for a pretty good wakeboard wake. 97-2001 will have a beter ski wake, but not as good of WB wake. 2002 and forward will likely be out of price range.

2) Sport Nautique. Same bottom as Skin Nautique. 21'6" Two feet longer for extra passenger room etc. 90-97 models have same bottom as 90-96. Good ski wake (Think ski nautique with 3 or 4 hundred pounds of
extra weight in the boat). Can be loaded up for a very good wakeboard wake. 98-2001 will have same bottom as 97-2001 SN. However, they
are much better wakeboard boats than the SN. Sport also sold as
Air Nautique with tower and ballast systems.

My two cents. Hope it helps.

BKH

[AirJeff]

It really comes down to what you are going to want the boat to be best at. If you're looking for primarily a ski boat I'd recomend a Ski Nautique Open Bow. We wanted a bit more space and to be able to do more wakeboarding so we went with the Sport Nautique/Air Nautique. It's a great boat, just not quite as good at slalom. The best idea is to try to ski/board behind the models you interested in, it can help alot. Have fun looking :grin:

[baedriver]

I just purchased a 1997 196 I owned a supra previously which was my first boat but now after driving the SAN i couldn't be happier. I will pick mine up labor day weekend. The boat I purchased was excatly in your price range maybe even a little less. It has the GT-40 with 120hrs and is in excellent condition. The supra had the old 240hp which was and excellent motor but putting the GT-40 through its paces it was sweet. Keep looking it took me awhile to find exactly what I wanted. Good Luck and enjoy the boat. I couldn't be happier

[PaulMcIntosh]

You can't go wrong with Correct Craft. I'm on my 4th boat now which is a CC 196, before that was a Mastercraft 195 bad mistake!!! all I can say is test run the boat you think you want and don't settle for something else, remember you can add weight to most boats and get a reasonable wake to wakeboard,but if you also love to slalom its tuff taking weight away to get a good slalom wake and if you have a hard bump somewhere it will drive you nuts. But get the boat you want the first time even if you have to wait a month or two longer for it to come up.

[M3Fan]

2) Sport Nautique. Same bottom as Skin Nautique. 21'6" Two feet longer for extra passenger room etc. 90-97 models have same bottom as 90-96.

Just a slight correction- I think the 89-92 sport is different than 93 forward. The 89-92 has a heavily chined bottom and integrated swim platform.

[bkhallpass]

Thanks M3. My bad.

BKH

[waterlogged]

I just wanted to thank everyone for the information. It looks like I have a few choices that will work well. It's obvious this site has many experienced CC owners visiting, a good place to learn and ask questions.

[bcrandall]

baedriver,

you picked up a SAN with 120 hours on it for 20-25k??? That is a steal.

[bkhallpass]

baedriver,

you picked up a SAN with 120 hours on it for 20-25k??? That is a steal.

Actually baedriver has a Ski Nautique. Still a very nice boat.

BKH

[SGY]

I had a 99 SNOB. Great boat. Just a word of warning, however. With the open bow on that boat, CC moved everything back several inches. That means the passenger compartment is smaller than the closed bow. And, unless you have small kids, the open bow on the SNOB is really useless. (Also, who wants to put small kids in that open bow anyway.) If I were you, I'd either buy a late model Sport Nautique or a closed bow Ski. You can buy a nice TSC hulled SN in the price range you mentioned. Or, you can shop around for a 2003 206. You might find one for low $30's--if you can stretch your budget. That boat is the cat's meow. Plenty of room for the family and an awesome hard core ski boat with a mid level wakeboard wake at slow speeds.

[noti_dad]

Where are you located? I have a 94SN going up for sale in another month priced in your range. Bought it new. 330hrs. Excellent condition. I live in Seattle are now but had the boat in Cali for half it's life. Send me a message if you're close or interested.

[Kosmo211]

Sounds like you need a 211, but you'll need more cash, go for the home equity. You only live once!!!